Package And Method For Making A Package

Abstract

A package includes a first wall, a second wall coupled to the first wall at a peelably openable seal portion, a gusset coupled to the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and gusset define an interior space, a vent portion provided on at least one of the first wall and the second wall, wherein the vent portion is configured to permit gases to escape from the interior space, and a food product provided within the interior, wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall comprises an anti-fog material on a surface facing the interior space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/928,547, filed May 10, 2007, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates generally to packages and similar items, and more particularly, to a package that provides features including an anti-fog package material, a seal that facilitates easy opening of the package (e.g., an "easy peel" feature), self-venting features for permitting venting during heating of packaged materials, and/or a package configuration (e.g., a gusset) that permits the package to stand generally upright.

[0003] Packages for storing various types of products such as food products (including liquids, solids, etc.) are generally known. Often, though, these packages may lack one or more features that facilitate the preparation of food products stored in such packages, in addition to providing one or more benefits related to the production, merchandising, and/or sale of such packages.

[0004] The present application discloses an improved package that may provide one or more advantages over conventional packages. To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable package that avoids the problems of conventional packages would represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment relates to a package comprising a first wall, a second wall coupled to the first wall at a peelably openable seal portion, a gusset coupled to the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and gusset define an interior space, a vent portion provided on at least one of the first wall and the second wall, wherein the vent portion is configured to permit gases to escape from the interior space, and a food product provided within the interior, wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall comprises an anti-fog material on a surface facing the interior space.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a package comprising a pair of generally opposing side walls coupled together to define an interior, a vent portion provided on at least one of the opposing side walls and configured to permit fluid to escape from the interior, and an anti-fog material provided on at least a portion of one of the opposing side walls, wherein the opposing sidewalls define a width of the package that narrows along a length of the package.

[0007] Yet another embodiment relates to A method of providing a package having a food product comprising providing a package having at least one sidewall with an anti-fog material, a vent portion, and a support portion coupled to the at least one sidewall that supports the package in a substantially upright position, introducing a food product into the package, and sealing the package with a low-bond adhesive to provide a peelably openable seal portion.

[0008] Other embodiments further relate to various features and combinations of features shown and described herein. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of this disclosure if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a package according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the package of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the package of FIG. 1 prior to being sealed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a package material according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of a package according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the package of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the package of FIG. 5 prior to being sealed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a package material according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Before explaining a number of exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the present application is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings, but may be practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments of the package disclosed herein illustrate a variety of features that provide advantages over or address shortcomings of more conventional packages. For example, certain packages may lack an anti-fog feature that prevents fog from forming on the interior surface of, for example, a clear package. Without such a feature, it may be difficult for consumers to view the contents of the package and the package may appear less sightly to the consumer. Further, certain packages may not stand in an upright position (e.g., in the case of long, narrow packages consisting generally of two pieces of plastic or other material sealed along the entire outer edge). In order to permit easy viewing of either the interior contents of the package or information provided on the package itself, a consumer may be required to lift the package from, for example, a display shelf, in order to view the package information and/or contents.

[0019] Further yet, certain packages may be provided without any venting features. Without such features, packages heated using, for example, a microwave oven, may tend to rupture as the pressure increases within the sealed package. Additionally, many packages are provided without means for easy opening of the package, often making the task of opening a package a difficult and potentially messy one. Various embodiments of the package disclosed herein address these and other disadvantages associated with conventional packages.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a package 10 (e.g., a pouch, bag, container, etc.) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Package 10 is configured to receive a food product 17, which may be a non-refrigerated, refrigerated, or frozen food product. Package 10 includes a top or upper portion 12 and a bottom or lower portion 14. Package 10 further includes a first or front wall portion or member 16 and a second or rear wall portion or member 18. According to one embodiment, front wall 16 and rear wall 18 are generally symmetrical and define the front and rear surfaces of package 10. A gusset portion 20 (e.g., support portion or member, etc.) is provided at or near lower portion 14 and includes a first gusset member or support portion 22 and a second gusset member or support portion 24. Support portions 22, 24 are positioned between front wall 16 and rear wall 18 and according to one embodiment form a generally "W" shape in conjunction with walls 16, 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 3).

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, front wall 16 and rear wall 18 may be sealed together (e.g., adhesively sealed, heat sealed, ultrasonically welded, etc.) at side seal portions 26, 28 and at top seal portion 30. Front wall 16 and rear wall 18 define an interior of package 10 that receives a food product 17. According to one embodiment, side seal portions 26, 28 extend generally along the periphery of the sides or edges of wall portions 16, 18 and top seal portion 30 extends across walls 16, 18 offset from the upper edge of wall portions 16, 18, forming grasping portions or tabs 32, 34. As shown in FIG. 2, because side seal portions 26, 28 do not extend to tabs 32, 34, tabs 32, 34 remain unsealed and independent from each other and form graspable portions for users. According to various alternative embodiments, seals 26, 28, 30 may be located in various alternative locations, and more or fewer sealed portions may be provided with package 10. Furthermore, walls 16, 18 may be coupled together using other methods in addition to or rather then sealing.

[0022] According to some embodiments, package 10 may include self-venting features shown in FIG. 1 as perforations or vent portions 36 and/or 38. As shown in FIG. 1, the self venting features may be provided horizontally (see, e.g., vent portion 36), vertically (see, e.g., vent portion 38), or in any other desirable configuration and/or alignment (e.g., circles, curves, ornamental configurations, etc.). Furthermore, package 10 may utilize a single one of vent portions 36 and/or 38 or more than one of vent portions 36 and/or 38 according to various other embodiments.

[0023] While vent portions 36, 38 are shown as slits, a variety of holes and/or apertures of various shapes and/or sizes may be used. According to one embodiment, vent portion 36 and/or 38 extend fully through material 42 (see FIG. 4) of package 10. According to another embodiment, vent portion 36 and/or 38 may be configured as a weakened area (e.g., an area of reduced material thickness or reduced material strength, etc.) of material 42 configured to rupture (e.g., due to excessive pressure build up within package 10) prior to the rupturing of the remainder of package 10 (including seal portion 26, 28, 30). According to yet another embodiment, vent portion 36 and/or 38 may comprise a portion of one or more of seals 26, 28, that has been weakened and/or omitted such that gases, etc. may vent through one or more of the sealed portions.

[0024] Referring further to FIGS. 1-4, according to an exemplary embodiment, package 10 may include a display portion or area 40 on one or both of walls 16, 18. Area 40 may include a portion of, or all of, one or both of walls 16, 18, and may be transparent, translucent, opaque, and may be provided with a variety of textual information, graphic designs, etc. According to one embodiment, area 40 is configured as a "window" to permit consumers to view product within package 10 (e.g., in the case of "ready-made" products that are prepared within package 10 and sold ready to be consumed).

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, package 10 may be provided with an easy peel feature (e.g., an easily peelable seal, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1-4, tabs 32 and 34 extend above top seal portion 30 such that a user may grasp and pull apart tabs 32 and 34 in order to open package 10. Top seal 30 and side seals 26, 28 may be provided with an easy release adhesive (e.g., a low bond adhesive, etc.) that is sufficient to maintain product sealed within package 10 during processing, transport, merchandising, etc., yet permits a user to easily open package 10 when desired. Seals 26, 28, 30 may also provide a controlled opening feature, in that the seals are configured to release (e.g., come apart, etc.) prior to the other portions of the packaging material ripping, tearing, etc., which may potentially result in spillage and/or waste of the contents of package 10.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the easy peel feature provided with package 10 is a one-time-use seal. According to various alternative embodiments, other types of seals and/or closure devices or mechanisms may be used instead of or in conjunction with seals 26, 28, 30 (e.g., a resealable portion provided in addition to and adjacent to top seal portion 30).

[0027] In some embodiments, package 10 may also be configured to stand in a substantially upright position when filled with product. Gusset portion 20 may provide a support area that maintains package 10 in an upright position, thereby facilitating marketing and packaging of product contained therein (e.g., by making it easier for consumers to see the product with package 10, by maintaining liquid or semi-solid materials in a generally stable position, etc.). As discussed above gusset portion 20 includes portions 22 and 24.

[0028] According to one embodiment, walls 16, 18 and gusset portions 22, 24 may be made from a continuous length of a material 42 (e.g., a flexible polymer laminate, etc.) comprising a first inner layer 44 (e.g., a polyester) laminated to a second outer layer 46 (e.g., a sealant layer that provides an easy peel feature and/or an anti-fog feature). Material 42 may be a roll stock material that may be folded, die cut, and heat sealed using automated tooling and processes to form package 10. Further, vent portions 36, 38 may be formed in material 42 using automated tooling (e.g., a piercing wheel configured to form perforations in material 42). According to various alternative embodiments, gusset portions 22, 24 may be made from a separate length of material 42 and/or a material other than material 42.

[0029] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, when package 10 is sealed only at side seal portions 26, 28 (e.g., with top seal portion 30 unsealed and no product within package 10), package 10 is a generally flat member. After product is introduced into package 10 and top seal portion 30 is sealed, the product tends to force open or spread apart gusset portions 22, 24 such that the bottom edges of gusset portions 22, 24 and walls 16, 28 form a stable support that enables a user to stand package 10 in an upright position.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, package 10 may further be provided with an anti-fog feature. According to one embodiment, an anti-fog material is embedded into second layer 46 (e.g., along with the easy peel seal material), which is then laminated to first layer 44 to form material 42. The anti-fog material resists fogging (clouding, discoloring, etc.) of material 42 after product has been sealed into package 10. In particular, the anti-fog material is configured to resist fogging due to extreme and/or sudden temperature changes (e.g., in the case of a package containing frozen food product being subsequently heated in a microwave, etc.). The anti-fog material may be made of any suitable materials, compounds, etc., known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, a package 110 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Package 110 is substantially similar to package 10 in that package 110 includes upper portion 112, bottom portion 114, front wall 116, and rear wall 118. Package 110 may further include a gusset portion 120 having first and second gusset portions 122, 124 that permit package 110 to stand upright. Further, package 110 may include easy peel, anti-fog, and self-venting features similar to those discussed above with respect to package 10 and FIGS. 1-4.

[0032] Referring in particular to FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, package 110 may be tapered from top portion 112 to bottom portion 114. According to one embodiment, package 110 tapers from approximately 3.5 inches at top portion 112 to approximately 1.5 inches at bottom portion 114. According to various alternative embodiments, package 110 may be provided with other types of tapers, including curved contours, etc., and package 110 may further taper from bottom portion 114 to top portion 112 rather than top portion 112 to bottom portion 114. According to an exemplary embodiment, package 110 is configured to substantially conform to the shape of a food product (e.g., a food product intended to be heated and offered for sale while within package 110 in the heated state) such that package 110 assists in maintaining the shape of the food product (e.g., to prevent folding, etc. of a heated food product) while the product is being displayed in an upright position. According to various alternative embodiments, package 110 may be tapered or otherwise contoured in ways other than those illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, front wall 116 and rear wall 118 may be sealed together (e.g., adhesively sealed, heat sealed, ultrasonically welded, etc.) at side seal portions 126, 128 and at top seal portion 130. According to one embodiment, side seal portions 126, 128 extend generally along the periphery of the sides or edges of wall portions 116, 118, and top seal portion 130 extends across walls 116, 118 offset from the upper edge of wall portions 116, 118, forming grasping portions or tabs 132, 134. As shown in FIG. 6, because side seal portions 126, 128 do not extend to tabs 132, 134, tabs 132, 134 remain unsealed and independent from each other and form graspable portions for users. According to various alternative embodiments, seals 126, 128, 130 may be located in various alternative locations, and more or fewer sealed portions may be provided with package 110. Furthermore, walls 116, 118 may be coupled together using other methods in addition to or rather then sealing.

[0034] According to some embodiments, package 110 may include self-venting features shown in FIG. 5 as perforations or vent portions 136 and/or 138. As shown in FIG. 5, the self venting features may be provided horizontally (see, e.g., vent portion 136), vertically (see, e.g., vent portion 138), or in any other desirable configuration and/or alignment (e.g., circles, curves, ornamental configurations, etc.).

[0035] Referring further to FIGS. 5-8, according to an exemplary embodiment, package 110 may include a display portion or area 140 on one or both of walls 116, 118. Area 140 may include a portion of, or all of, one or both of walls 116, 118, and may be transparent, translucent, opaque, and may be provided with a variety of graphic designs, etc. According to one embodiment, area 140 is configured as a "window" to permit consumers to view product within package 110 (e.g., in the case of "ready-made" products that are prepared within package 110 and sold ready to be consumed).

[0036] According to one embodiment, walls 116, 118 and gusset portions 122, 124 may be made from a continuous length of a material 142 (e.g., a flexible polymer laminate, etc.) comprising a first inner layer 144 (e.g., a polyester) laminated to a second outer layer 146 (e.g., a sealant layer that provides an easy peel feature and/or an anti-fog feature). Material 142 may be a roll stock material that may be folded, die cut, and heat sealed using automated tooling and processes to form package 110. Further, vent portions 136, 138 may be formed in material 142 using automated tooling (e.g., a piercing wheel configured to form perforations in material 142). According to various alternative embodiments, gusset portions 122, 124 may be made from a separate length of material 142 and/or a material other than material 142.

[0037] According to various exemplary embodiments, the packages shown and described herein may include a variety of food products (e.g., food product 17), including solids (breads, cheeses, etc.), liquids juices, sauces, etc.), and so on. According to various exemplary embodiments, the food product may be wholly or partially unrefrigerated, refrigerated, and/or frozen during processing, retailing, etc. In some embodiments, the food product is introduced into the interior of the package after the side seal portions (e.g., seal portions 16, 18 or 116, 118) are sealed. Upon the food product being introduced into the interior, the top seal portion (e.g. seal portion 30 or 130) may be sealed.

[0038] It is important to note that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Such joining may also relate to mechanical, fluid, or electrical relationship between the two components.

[0039] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the package shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package comprising: a first wall; a second wall coupled to the first wall at a peelably openable seal portion; a gusset coupled to the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and gusset define an interior space; a vent portion provided on at least one of the first wall and the second wall, wherein the vent portion is configured to permit gases to escape from the interior space; and a food product provided within the interior; wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall comprises an anti-fog material on a surface facing the interior space.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the gusset are formed from a continuous length of material.

3. The package of claim 1 wherein the vent portion comprises at least one perforation.

4. The package of claim 1 wherein the vent portion comprises a plurality of slits in at least one of the first wall and the second wall.

5. The package of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall includes a portion that is at least one of transparent and translucent.

6. The package of claim 1 wherein the seal portion comprises a low bond adhesive.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein the gusset is provided at a first end of the package and a graspable portion is provided at a second end located opposite the first end.

8. The package of claim 7 wherein the graspable portion is formed by at least one of the first wall and the second wall.

9. The package of claim 7 wherein the gusset is provided at a first end of the package and a second end is located opposite the first end, wherein the first wall and the second wall define a width of the package that widens from the first end to the second end.

10. The package of claim 9 wherein the first wall and the second wall substantially conform to a shape of the food product so as to resist deformation of the food product during heating.

11. A package comprising: a pair of generally opposing side walls coupled together to define an interior; a vent portion provided on at least one of the opposing side walls and configured to permit fluid to escape from the interior; and an anti-fog material provided on at least a portion of one of the opposing side walls; wherein the opposing sidewalls define a width of the package that narrows along a length of the package.

12. The package of claim 11 further comprising a support portion configured to support the package in a generally upright position.

13. The package of claim 12 wherein the package narrows in a direction toward the support portion.

14. The package of claim 12 wherein the support portion is a gusset that forms a W shape with the opposing sidewalls.

15. The package of claim 11 further comprising a resealably openable portion permitting a user to resealably open a portion of the package.

16. The package of claim 11 wherein the openable portion is provided along a top portion opposite the support portion.

17. The package of claim 11 further comprising: a food product provided within the interior; wherein the opposing sidewalls substantially conform to a shape of the food product so as to resist deformation of the food product during heating.

18. A method of providing a package having a food product comprising: providing a package having at least one sidewall with an anti-fog material, a vent portion, and a support portion coupled to the at least one sidewall that supports the package in a substantially upright position; introducing a food product into the package; and sealing the package with a low-bond adhesive to provide a peelably openable seal portion.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the openable portion is resealable.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the support portion forms a W shape with the at least one sidewall.